Dehydration
Dehydration means insufficient body fluids and is a common cause of constipation.[6] It may be caused by illnesses, physical activities, or low water intake. When a person becomes dehydrated, the intestines are unable to soften the stool with moisture. This causes painful bowel movements due to hard, dry, and lumpy stools, leading to constipation. If you already have constipation, dehydration may worsen the symptoms, so it is best to stay hydrated. You may experience painful or less frequent bowel movements if you’re not getting enough water. Also, your stool may look dry or like small lumps. Water is essential for easy digestion and to transport waste in the digestive tract.
Water is important for preventing constipation. It is advisable to drink eight or more glasses of water per day to stay hydrated. If the colon gets enough water, less of it will be withdrawn, which will keep the stool soft and easy to pass.